Accessory Structures in Shelby County, TN (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Shelby County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In unincorporated Shelby County, the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot, only accessory to a single-family detached home, with living area capped by lot size and subject to administrative site plan review.
Shelby County ADU Rules: One Per Lot, Size by Lot
Some RestrictionsMemphis/Shelby County UDC Sec. 2.7.2D
Accessory dwelling units shall only be permitted as accessory to single-family detached dwellings that do not contain multiple dwelling units. No more than one accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted per lot. Accessory dwelling structures shall be subject to administrative site plan review as well as the standards of this Section.
Shed & Carport Rules
In unincorporated Shelby County, the Unified Development Code treats carports as accessory structures. A detached carport must sit at least five feet from side and rear lines and stay under the 75 percent cumulative-size cap; attached carports count as part of the principal structure.
Shelby County Carport Rules: Accessory Structure Standards
Some RestrictionsMemphis/Shelby County UDC Sec. 3.9.1A
In addition to the standards provided below, attached garages and carports are considered part of the principal structure and must meet all applicable requirements of the principal structure. Detached garages and carports are considered accessory structures and must meet all applicable requirements of Chapter 2.7.
Garage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in unincorporated Shelby County is governed by the Unified Development Code. If it creates a separate dwelling it is an accessory dwelling unit under UDC 2.7.2D; attached garages count as part of the principal structure and must meet its setbacks.
Shelby County Garage Conversions: ADU and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsMemphis/Shelby County UDC Sec. 3.9.1A
Attached garages and carports are considered part of the principal structure and must meet all applicable requirements of the principal structure. Detached garages and carports are considered accessory structures and must meet all applicable requirements of Chapter 2.7, Accessory Structures and Uses.
Tiny Homes
Unincorporated Shelby County has no separate tiny-home ordinance. A permanent tiny house is regulated by the Unified Development Code as a single-family dwelling or, as a second unit, an accessory dwelling unit under UDC 2.7.2D, and must meet county building and residential codes.
Shelby County Tiny Homes: Dwelling and ADU Rules Apply
Some RestrictionsMemphis/Shelby County UDC Sec. 2.7.2D
Accessory dwelling units shall only be permitted as accessory to single-family detached dwellings that do not contain multiple dwelling units. No more than one accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted per lot.
Accessory Structures by City in Shelby County
1 cities in Shelby County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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